Whatever job you do, you can join Solidarity

In 1834 Robert Owen formed the Grand National Consolidated Trades Union in an attempt to unite all the workers into one Union.

Initiatives for One Big Union have occurred across the world.

Most notable was the attempt of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW or the Wobblies) to organise One Big Union in the United States, Canada, and Australia and the Confederacion Nacional del Trabajo (CNT) in Spain.

We have no particular ideological affinity with either group, nor are we affiliated, but like them we see the sense of organising across trades and professions.

We also allow members to belong to other Unions if they choose.

The reasons why Unions were formed in the past are still valid today.

As individuals in the workplace our bargaining and power position with employers is generally weak.

Unscrupulous Bosses can try to pick an individual who speaks out. It is only when we act collectively that we get leverage.

Unions are like an insurance policy with a large number of people paying dues so that if they need help they can call on it. Solidarity also provides resources and access to professional advice. That is part of the meaning of our slogan: - "Together we are strong!

Join Solidarity - a Union that's different !

Solidarity is:

A union fighting and winning in the workplace

A union that makes your voice heard

A union that doesn't pay huge salaries to officials

A union that listens and acts

A union that will send a Rep to your workplace disciplinary or grievance

A union that is helping to create a fairer society

A union that treats people with dignity, respect and is tolerant of others views

A union with experience of taking cases to Employment Tribunals

A union that promotes openness and democracy

A union that wants its members to become involved

A union that wins compensation for members who are unfairly dismissed or discriminated against

A union with a real interest in fighting difficult and ground-breaking cases

A union that realises that its support starts at a local level, where results change lives.

For an information pack from Solidarity E-mail us at solidaritygb@aol.com. You can join online on this site and pay just £8 a month. Alternatively you can sign up for a year by sending a cheque for £96 to Solidarity, Room 407, 12 South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1DD.